A Google engineer reveals the secret to landing a tech internship

Networking is your secret weapon

Landing a tech internship is no longer just about cold applications. Google engineer Aashna Doshi says that strategic networking played a huge role in her journey from intern to full-time software engineer. She emphasizes knowing who you want to meet and intentionally building connections.

Doshi recommends finding common ground with professionals, like shared experiences or backgrounds. This makes conversations more natural and insightful, increasing your chances of forming lasting professional bonds that could pay off years down the line.

Showcase skills through projects

Standing out from the crowd means showing what you can do, not just listing classes or credentials. Doshi credits her independent projects for helping her secure a Google internship. These projects go beyond what everyone else learns in school and demonstrate real problem-solving abilities.

She stresses that it isn’t about niche expertise at first. Employers look for flexibility and adaptive thinking. By applying knowledge creatively, like tackling data structures in practical ways, students can set themselves apart from hundreds of applicants with similar foundations.

Make connections before asking

Building relationships before requesting anything is key, Doshi says. She reached out to a software engineer in Europe to learn about her experience, not to ask for a referral. That genuine interest eventually led to mentorship and, later, an internship opportunity.

This approach benefits both sides. You gain insights from experienced professionals while forming a connection that could last your entire career. Networking isn’t transactional; it’s about mutual learning and support over time.

Projects can be game changers

If landing an internship feels impossible, creating your own projects can help. Doshi encourages students to go beyond coursework and show how they apply what they’ve learned. Real projects demonstrate initiative and creativity that make resumes stand out.

These projects signal to employers that you’re willing to solve problems and take ownership of your learning. Even without specialized experience, this proactive approach showcases capability and potential, which is often more valuable than rote technical knowledge.

Adapt your thinking not memorize

Doshi explains that interns aren’t expected to know everything right away. She advises focusing on adaptive problem-solving rather than completing hundreds of practice questions. Flexibility and creative thinking are more important than getting exact answers.

This mindset helps interns handle real-world challenges where directions aren’t always clear. By demonstrating the ability to think critically and pivot when needed, students can impress teams and show readiness for long-term roles.

Become a go to person

Once you secure an internship, your goal is to become indispensable. Doshi says being the “go-to” person for a specific issue helps interns stand out and build trust with team members. Responsibility leads to recognition and stronger mentorship opportunities.

This approach increases visibility and positions interns as reliable contributors. Over time, being trusted with important tasks can open doors to full-time offers and more challenging projects, giving interns an edge in competitive environments.

Ask the right questions

Interns aren’t expected to know everything, and asking questions is crucial. Doshi emphasizes framing inquiries to show effort and preparation, like explaining what you’ve tried before seeking guidance. This shows initiative while learning efficiently.

Understanding when and how to ask for help accelerates growth. It prevents wasted time and demonstrates maturity and problem-solving skills. Smart questioning can make interns memorable and reliable in the eyes of senior staff.

Referrals come naturally

She notes that referrals are often a byproduct of strong relationships, not the starting point. Focus on learning from people and contributing value first, and referrals can follow naturally without forcing the ask.

This strategy removes pressure from networking and allows for more authentic interactions. Interns benefit from gaining insights and building trust, which increases the likelihood of opportunities like referrals organically.

A foot in the door matters

Landing your first internship can be the hardest step. Doshi says getting that initial foot in the door sets the stage for learning, building a reputation, and creating more opportunities within a company.

Once inside, demonstrating reliability and initiative matters more than prior experience. Interns who contribute meaningfully can transform temporary positions into full-time roles through consistent effort and engagement.

Support others along the way

Professional growth is two-way, Doshi says. Helping colleagues and supporting peers strengthens relationships and creates a network of mutual trust. This mindset benefits both career and personal development.

When you invest in others, people are more likely to remember your contributions. Collaborative relationships lead to mentorship, guidance, and potentially long-term career opportunities.

Focus on progress not perfection

Interns are evaluated on improvement, not just results. Doshi emphasizes showing growth and willingness to learn over trying to appear flawless. Small, consistent progress demonstrates potential to senior staff.

This approach relieves pressure on interns and encourages curiosity. Companies value those who adapt and improve, which often outweighs simply having prior technical skills.

Due diligence is key

Before asking for help, according to Doshi, do your homework. Research the problem, check code bases, and attempt solutions first. This shows responsibility and initiative.

Proper preparation ensures that guidance is targeted and effective. It also demonstrates maturity and respect for colleagues’ time, making interns more effective and respected team members.

Mentorship shapes careers

Connecting with mentors can significantly impact career paths. Doshi’s mentorship experiences helped her understand roles, expectations, and growth strategies at Google, ultimately guiding her journey to a full-time role.

Mentorship provides perspective and insight beyond technical skills. It helps interns navigate workplace culture, avoid pitfalls, and make strategic decisions about their development and career trajectory.

Create good impressions

Being reliable, proactive, and adaptable helps interns leave a lasting impression. Doshi stresses that the reputation you build during an internship often carries long-term career weight.

Lasting impressions come from consistent behavior and authentic engagement. Interns who cultivate trust and demonstrate problem-solving skills are more likely to be remembered and considered for future opportunities.

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Landing the dream internship

Landing a tech internship isn’t just about applying. Networking strategically, showcasing projects, asking the right questions, and becoming a trusted contributor are essential, says Doshi. These steps create opportunities that go beyond a single role.

The journey is about learning, building connections, and demonstrating adaptability. By focusing on growth, relationships, and problem-solving, students can turn internships into stepping stones for long-term success in the tech industry.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.